BBC viewers pull apart historical drama King and Conqueror as they blast ‘inaccuracy’ and tech issues: ‘I gave up!’
BBC viewers have voiced significant complaints about the broadcaster’s latest historical drama King and Conqueror, which premiered on Sunday evening.
The eight-part series, featuring James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as rival medieval rulers, has prompted widespread criticism over its sound mixing problems.
The drama follows Harold of Wessex (James Norton) and William of Normandy (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), two men destined to meet in 1066.
However, social media users reported difficulties hearing dialogue clearly, with many resorting to subtitles to follow the programme.
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Not long into the show, one viewer posted on X: “When will we get drama that we can understand the dialogue without turning the sound up and putting subtitles on? #KingAndConqueror.”
Another frustrated audience member described the audio as “horrendous,” noting: “Too quiet when dialogue and then bloody loud during action scenes. Remote control working overtime #KingAndConqueror.”
Beyond audio problems, audiences have expressed frustration with the programme’s use of contemporary language and dialogue that feels anachronistic for the 11th century setting.
The series depicts the events leading to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, chronicling the conflict between Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy over England’s throne.
History enthusiasts have particularly criticised the show’s departure from historical accuracy. One disappointed viewer wrote: “Was looking forward to King And Conqueror, but what a disappointment.
“What is this trend of using modern language and phrases that would never have been heard in the times portrayed? The BBC used to be the best at this kind of drama. Not anymore.”
Critics have also noted that many historical figures die differently in the series compared to documented historical records.
One viewer declared: “Vikings was a great example of how to create a realistic and engaging historical action drama. King & Conqueror is typical BBC nonsense and utterly unrealistic. Why do they always do this?”
Several audience members announced they had switched off within the first twenty minutes. “Abandoned after 20 minutes. #KingAndConqueror,” posted one viewer, whilst another stated: “I gave up early.”
One critic described the series as a “lost opportunity,” writing: “What a wasted opportunity.
“Edward the Confessor battering his mother to death with his own crown, give me strength. The real history was gripping enough without making up lots of complete nonsense.”
Despite the widespread criticism, King and Conqueror has found supporters amongst BBC audiences, with several viewers praising the production’s merits.
“Wow King And Conqueror amazing first episode,” one penned, with another writing: “Impressed with King & Conqueror so far! They’ve done an amazing job making this look like 1066.”
The series has climbed to third position in the BBC’s top ten rankings, indicating substantial viewership numbers.
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Speaking to the broadcaster about what drew him to the role, Mr Norton, who was also executive producer, enthused: “Initially it was the story, rather than specifically Harold, that drew me to the project.
“We chatted about the idea for this show seven or eight years ago, and the first reaction I had was ‘how has this story not been told before in TV or film?’
“It’s one of the biggest dates we learn in history at school. It has defined so much of our culture, politics and law, the fabric of this country.”